Ruth Rooker Gardner, 89, of Germantown, TN, passed away peacefully on April 8, 2025. Born on February 19, 1936, in Blue Mountain, Mississippi. Ruth was the beloved daughter of Thomas Dennis Rooker and Minnie Mae Rooker. She grew up in Crawfordsville, Arkansas. She graduated from Crawfordsville High School where she excelled academically and athletically on the womens basketball team. There she began laying the foundation for a life marked by love, faith, and dedication.

Ruth’s career was varied and impressive, culminating in many successful years in real estate sales, where her work ethic and integrity earned her the respect of colleagues and clients alike. Above all, Ruth’s most cherished roles were as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend.

On May 23, 1958 Ruth married the love of her life, Bill Gardner. Together, they shared nearly seven decades of love, partnership, and family. Their union was one of deep devotion and they were blessed with two sons, Scot and Brad, who carry forward their legacy of faith, love, and commitment. Ruth’s nurturing spirit extended to generations as she and Bill made Christian education a cornerstone of their family life. Their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren all had and have the privilege of receiving their education at Evangelical Christian School, a testament to Ruth’s belief in the importance of faith-based learning.

Ruth was an active and devout member of First Evangelical Church where she found strength and solace in her faith. Her contributions to her church family were immeasurable and her unwavering devotion to Christ was an inspiration to all who knew her.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, as well as her siblings: Curtis Rooker, Homer Rooker, Mildred Wenke, Opal Weinmiller, and Grady Rooker. She leaves behind her beloved husband, Bill Gardner; sons Scot (Jill) Gardner and Brad (Dana) Gardner; grandchildren Curtis Gardner, Lauren Turpen, and Leigh Downing; and seven cherished great-grandchildren.

Ruth's life was a testament to love, faith, and service. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her legacy of love and faith will continue to inspire those whose lives she touched.

A memorial service will be held at First Evangelical Church on April 15, 2025. Visitation from 10:00-11:30 and the service following immediately after.

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